How soon do they need driftwood?

[Sidman24]

I just got 2 baby ( 1 inch ) bristlenose plecos to help control the diatoms in my tank. I have no driftwood though. How soon will they need it? If I add driftwood will they stop eating the algae? Thanks!

 

[Chest Rockwell]

You can go a few months but no more. They eat on the wood to get mainly fiber. Over time the brown diatoms will go away as the tank establishes itself, the BN's will always eat at algae , but only certain types. In the mean time get a piece and soak in a separate container until it sinks and change out the water every once in awhile, it takes about a month to "cure", then drop it in your tank.